After 30 seasons on ABC, the popular celebrity dance competition Dancing With the Stars is moving to Disney+, making it the first live series to debut on the streamer.
Produced in front of a live audience by BBC Studios’ Los Angeles production arm, Dancing with the Stars has received a two-season pickup from Disney+, and will debut exclusively on the streamer in the U.S. and Canada in the fall.
“Dancing with the Stars has entertained fans for 16 years on ABC, and we are excited to bring this beloved show exclusively to Disney+ as the platform’s first-ever live series,” said Kareem Daniel, chairman of Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, in a news release. “The show’s broad appeal, as well as the overwhelming popularity of its Disney-themed competition nights, make Disney+ the perfect home for Dancing with the Stars while continuing to expand our demographic reach.”
“As we’re significantly expanding our unscripted slate at ABC, this is a great opportunity to introduce this show to a whole new generation of fans on Disney+,” added Dana Walden, chairman of entertainment for Walt Disney Television. “We’re so grateful to our incredible partners at BBC Studios and look forward to continuing our relationship with them on this spectacular series, which will continue to be overseen by Rob Mills and the talented Walt Disney Television Alternative team.”
“The fact that our iconic global format Dancing with the Stars will now set the record as the first live series on Disney+ represents a major growth opportunity and a bold next step forward in the evolution of the franchise,” said Valerie Bruce, general manager of BBC Studios’ Los Angeles Productions. “This unprecedented move, combined with our two-season pickup, is a testament to the proven power of Dancing with the Stars and a resounding vote of confidence from our great, supportive partners at Disney, showing how much they value and believe in the brand.”